Starting defensive tackle Mike Iosua wasn't on the tentative travel roster yesterday for Hawaii's football game at Nevada on Saturday. But coach June Jones said Iosua might still make the trip to Reno today. [UH FOOTBALL]
Iosua iffy for Nevada;
Espiau hurt, but going
By Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.com"I'm still hesitant about Mike. He'd probably get re-injured. We'll try to make a decision tonight," Jones said yesterday.
Iosua said his right shoulder has healed up, but the right knee he hyperextended Sept. 8 against Montana is still bothersome.
Houston Ala will move in from end to replace Iosua if necessary, with Joe Correia moving from outside linebacker to end and Keani Alapa starting at linebacker.
Senior safety Jacob Espiau will make the trip and probably start. He suffered a right shoulder injury against Montana, and is still battling a nagging groin pull.
"People ask me about the shoulder. That's OK, it doesn't really bother me," Espiau said. "My groin is the problem."
The lingering injury hasn't kept Espiau from practicing this week, though.
In other injury updates, defensive backs Josiah Cravalho and David Gilmore are both back from hamstring woes and are expected to make the trip.
Owens on the rise: Redshirt freshman slotback Chad Owens' stock has risen consistently since fall camp began in August. He was rewarded by being named to the 60-man travel roster for Saturday's game. Now he wants to make a contribution.
"The last couple weeks I've had really good practices," said Owens, a 5-foot-8, 173-pound Roosevelt High School product. "I'm just hoping to get in there and get my chance and hopefully I can make some plays."
Owens is also listed as the backup punt returner to Clifton Herbert.
"He has been steady," receivers coach Ron Lee said of Owens. "It's just a matter of getting out there and doing something, getting his chance. As long as his eyes don't get too big, he should do well."
Moving man: Correia, who will play defensive end this week, said he doesn't mind switching back and forth from outside linebacker.
"It all depends what kind of team we're playing ... any way I can help the team," he said. "Playing end is my thing, going back is no problem. Once you learn to skateboard or surf, you never forget it."
Short yardage: Junior wide receiver Ashley Lelie needs 29 yards to tie Dwight Carter for third on UH's career receiving yards list. ... UH is 12-22-1 in road openers since going to an all-college schedule in 1966. The Warriors were 0-4 on the road last year. ... UH practiced this morning from 6 to 7 before leaving for Reno on their 10:30 a.m. Aloha Airlines charter flight. They will practice in Reno tomorrow.
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